§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many households in the Doncaster area currently qualify for payments under the cold weather payments scheme; what percentage this is of the total number of households eligible to claim benefits from his Department; and what have been the comparative figures for each year since the scheme was introduced.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of the social fund is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from M. Bichard to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 10 November 1992:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking how many households in the Doncaster area qualify for payments under the cold weather payments scheme; what percentage this is of the total number of households eligible to claim benefits from his Department; and what have been the comparative figures for each year since the scheme was introduced.Doncaster is covered by the Agency's Doncaster District. It is not possible to give an exact figure of how many customers would qualify for a Cold Weather Payment except at disproportionate cost. However, based on figures for those claiming Income Support in August 1992, it is estimated that approximately 18,900 customers in the Doncaster District may qualify for a Cold Weather Payment, should the area be triggered. This represents approximately 50 per cent. of Income Support Customers.813WThe only period available for comparison is 1 November 1991 to 31 March 1992, when up to 12,820 (approximately 47 per cent. of Income Support customers) were paid during the four periods when the area was triggered. All other local statistics have been destroyed in accordance with standing instructions.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy of this reply will appear in the Official Report. Copies are also being placed in the Library.